As we all know that the Microsoft is all set to release the next major update of Windows 10 aka the Windows 10 Creators Update or Windows 10 Redstone 2. Well, if you using Windows 10 and also keeping an eye on design then you might know that the Microsoft introduced a major upgrade to the design of Windows 10 which is also known as Microsoft Design Language 2 (MDL2).

Microsoft originally developed a design language for Windows 8 that eventually evolved into what is known as MDL2, or Microsoft Design Language 2, used for Windows 10. The current design language was called Metro because it represented a modern approach to content and typography design. Basically, the MDL2 was started with the Windows 8, With Windows 10 Microsoft made several changes in MDL2. And now more exciting things are coming in it. Yep, that Project NEON.

Project NEON is Windows 10’s upcoming design language which will arrive with Windows 10 Redstone 3 scheduled for later next year. Project NEON has been in the works for over a year internally at Microsoft. It builds upon the design language introduced with Windows 10, with its simple and clean interfaces, but adds some much-needed flair to the UI that the current design language just lacks.

Image Credit : Wikipedia

What is it?

Microsoft plans to do is make a design language which just works, across all devices, and offers a similar experience. This includes the PC, Mobile and specially the HoloLens. Project NEON will feature a fluid user interface that sports smooth motions and transitions throughout all of the UI components. The new designs in the plans include adding more animations and transitions. There will be more improvements in animation and transitions rather than in typos.

Project NEON will include app-elements being able to “escape” the borders of a window making for a much more unique experience. Some reports also reveal that it will serves as a bridge between holographic and augmented reality (AR) and the desktop environment.

Image Source: windows.com

Windows 10 Redstone 3’s main focus seems to be on unifying the operating system across all devices, especially the HoloLens. Microsoft has a lot in the pipeline for Windows 10 over the next 18 months, with Redstone 3 seemingly turning out to be a pretty big update for Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile and Xbox One.

What if you don’t like it?

Don’t worry if you love MDL2. Project NEON intends to build upon the current design language rather than replace it entirely. This new design language will be a natural evolution to the UI rather than a complete redesign like the transition from Windows 8 to Windows 10.

A thing for Developer!

Developers will, of course, have the option to add new design language elements if they wish. Microsoft also wants to clean up the so-called inconsistencies that MDL2 possesses. Developers can build apps that feature their own context menus, app bars, hamburger menu designs and more.

Tough Call: When?

Tough question, but Windows Insiders will see glimpse of Project NEON around mid 2017, but there’s a good chance of some NEON elements showing up on some of Microsoft’s own apps with the Windows 10 Creators Update even before that. Microsoft will continue working on Project NEON throughout Redstone 3’s development cycle and leading into Redstone 4 in 2018, where 3rd-party developers will also be able to take advantage of the new design language.